New w/ 75g tank and accessories on the way! What do you think?

Hello 3reef world! I have been reading and reading for weeks on this forum, and I would like to say "Thank you sooooo much!" for all of the great advice!

This is my first saltwater tank, and I am so excited to get her up and going. I am in no means in a rush and have read a great deal about patience and getting things right. I am all about getting things done right the first time around. I have read that once I get everything set up I will need to wait about 4-6 weeks to add fish. Does this sound about right?

I am setting up a tank for my 4-year-old daughter's birthday, which is coming up super-fast on March 10th. She really loves Nemo, so I would like to start with a Clown and an Anemone.

I currently have the following either in my posession or on it's way...

- 75g tank w/ homemade stand
- SpectraPure Maxcap RO/DI (Model #MC-RODI-90-10)
- SWC Xtreme Cone 160 Protein Skimmer
- 2 x Hydor Koralia Evolution 750GPH Powerheads
- 2 x Visi-Therm 150W Submersible Heaters
- Mag 12 1200GPH Return Pump

I know I still need a few more things, and am open to suggestions/comments on my setup.

I am debating building my own overflow by following Bean's write-up, but I am not sure if I want to do that or just go with a kit from glass-holes website. What do you guys think? I also saw someone post that they had built their own floating overflows, which sounds very interesting and cheap! Anyone know anything about these?

What size sump do you guys recommend for a 75g tank? I have seen people use anywhere from 10g - 30g. I have plenty of room under my stand...so space is not an issue.

I am open to suggestions on Anemone's and reef setups! Please keep in mind that this is my first saltwater tank!

Is there anything else I need as far as equipment?

Thanks so much in advance!

Herrick

 

Sounds like you are off to a good start! I have a 75 gallon as well and use a 30 gallon long for a sump. The bigger the better so you have more water volume. Unfortunately just to let you know you will have to hold off on the anemone for a while. The need a tank that has been up and running for about 6 months after a cycle. This is because they are very susceptible to parameter fluctuations.what are your plans on lighting?

 

Thanks arentspowell! I have been doing a lot of reading on the equipment.

That stinks about the anemone. Maybe we will start with "Dorie" from Nemo instead.

I forgot to mention my lighting. I purchased a used 75g tank from a guy on craigslist and it included a light setup with T5 bulbs. He told me they were the "special saltwater lights" and that they were worth all types of money. I have not even plugged them in to test them yet. I will do that ASAP and provide an update.

 

Do you know the manufacturer of the light fixture.

 

Aaron.Herk, I will let you know as soon as I get off work today.

 

Anyone have any suggestions as to what else I need to buy?

 

do you have rock and sand

 

Did you decide on what kind of sump to build/buy? I really like my design and its been working out great. here is a link to mine. http://www.3reef.com/forums/refugium/fuge-some-mods-102006.html I used a 30 gallon long with my 75 and love it. Did you find out more info on the lights?

 

Welcome to the reef! Pics are a must!!

 

I would probably replace the existing bulbs in your fixture with better bulbs. ATI bulbs would be my suggestion.